Timberwolves Look To Keep Rolling
By Dan Bruno
The Minnesota Timberwolves play host to the Memphis Grizzlies, at Target Center on Sunday afternoon.
The Timberwolves (7-9) have won three games straight since the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the 76ers. The first win of the three came before the new arrivals joined the team, but the next two wins came with much thanks to Dario Saric and Robert Covington. Andrew Wiggins has also picked up his game, with 23 points in both his last two outings, while he is averaging 17.7 points per game. Karl-Anthony Towns has also been solid recently, averaging 22.5 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, over his last 10 games, including a 39-point, 19-rebound performance a few games back. The Timberwolves sit 13th place in the crowded West. This marks the fourth game of a five-game home stand for the Timberwolves, who are 7-1 at home so far.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (9-5) have been off to a great start to the season, already pulling off many impressive wins over tough opponents. They have won their last two games in a row, and are 7-3 in their last 10 games. However, they are just 3-4 on the road so far this season. Jarern Jackson Jr. had a huge night in the Grizzlies' last outing, with 27 points, six rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Jackson Jr. has been off to a good start in his rookie season, averaging 12.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Mike Conley has been huge for Memphis, averaging 19.1 points, 5.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, while Marc Gasol is averaging 16.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists. The Grizzlies are one of the best defensive teams in the league, as they hold opponents to a league-low 101.8 points per game.
The Timberwolves (7-9) have won three games straight since the trade that sent Jimmy Butler to the 76ers. The first win of the three came before the new arrivals joined the team, but the next two wins came with much thanks to Dario Saric and Robert Covington. Andrew Wiggins has also picked up his game, with 23 points in both his last two outings, while he is averaging 17.7 points per game. Karl-Anthony Towns has also been solid recently, averaging 22.5 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, over his last 10 games, including a 39-point, 19-rebound performance a few games back. The Timberwolves sit 13th place in the crowded West. This marks the fourth game of a five-game home stand for the Timberwolves, who are 7-1 at home so far.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies (9-5) have been off to a great start to the season, already pulling off many impressive wins over tough opponents. They have won their last two games in a row, and are 7-3 in their last 10 games. However, they are just 3-4 on the road so far this season. Jarern Jackson Jr. had a huge night in the Grizzlies' last outing, with 27 points, six rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Jackson Jr. has been off to a good start in his rookie season, averaging 12.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Mike Conley has been huge for Memphis, averaging 19.1 points, 5.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game, while Marc Gasol is averaging 16.1 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.9 assists. The Grizzlies are one of the best defensive teams in the league, as they hold opponents to a league-low 101.8 points per game.
Lakers Look to Keep Rolling Against Heat
The Los Angeles Lakers travel to Florida to play the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on Sunday.
The Lakers (8-7) suffered a 130-117 loss in their most recent game on Saturday, as the Orlando Magic dominated them throughout the second half. That did snap an impressive stretch for Los Angeles though, as they won eight of their previous 11 games. Where they've really found their success is on the offensive end, with the Lakers sitting fourth in scoring. They are struggling defensively though, as they currently sit 27th in points allowed. That's something you expect from a team like this, as their fourth-ranked pace plays a huge factor in those statistics. LeBron James hasn't missed a beat in his Los Angeles transition, as he currently leads this team in scoring, rebounding and assists. That's become the standard for the best player in the league and he recently surpassed Wilt Chamberlain as the fifth-highest scorer in NBA history.
The Heat (6-9) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games, as they've also lost seven of 10 in total. That's a shocking stretch from a consistent team like this and it's a wonder why they're in such a deep slump. The biggest issue has been on the defensive end, with Miami sitting 16th in points allowed. This is a team who should be in the top-five in total defense and they simply won't win games until they improve on that end of the floor. They also need more from Goran Dragic, as he's regressed big time after an all-star season in 2017. Hassan Whiteside has been spectacular though, as he's currently averaging 13.8 points, 14.9 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. Those are Defensive Player of the Year numbers and it makes it even more shocking that this defense is struggling so badly. One has to believe they will improve on that lackluster defense as the season progresses, considering they have some of the best defensive players in the league.
These teams have split each of their two-game season series over the last two years. Prior to that, Miami won 11 of their previous 13 games over Los Angeles dating back to 2010
The Lakers (8-7) suffered a 130-117 loss in their most recent game on Saturday, as the Orlando Magic dominated them throughout the second half. That did snap an impressive stretch for Los Angeles though, as they won eight of their previous 11 games. Where they've really found their success is on the offensive end, with the Lakers sitting fourth in scoring. They are struggling defensively though, as they currently sit 27th in points allowed. That's something you expect from a team like this, as their fourth-ranked pace plays a huge factor in those statistics. LeBron James hasn't missed a beat in his Los Angeles transition, as he currently leads this team in scoring, rebounding and assists. That's become the standard for the best player in the league and he recently surpassed Wilt Chamberlain as the fifth-highest scorer in NBA history.
The Heat (6-9) come into this matchup losing four of their last five games, as they've also lost seven of 10 in total. That's a shocking stretch from a consistent team like this and it's a wonder why they're in such a deep slump. The biggest issue has been on the defensive end, with Miami sitting 16th in points allowed. This is a team who should be in the top-five in total defense and they simply won't win games until they improve on that end of the floor. They also need more from Goran Dragic, as he's regressed big time after an all-star season in 2017. Hassan Whiteside has been spectacular though, as he's currently averaging 13.8 points, 14.9 rebounds and 3.1 blocks per game. Those are Defensive Player of the Year numbers and it makes it even more shocking that this defense is struggling so badly. One has to believe they will improve on that lackluster defense as the season progresses, considering they have some of the best defensive players in the league.
These teams have split each of their two-game season series over the last two years. Prior to that, Miami won 11 of their previous 13 games over Los Angeles dating back to 2010
Surging Magic Host Scuffling Knicks
The New York Knicks travel to Florida to play the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on Sunday.
The Knicks (4-12) come into this matchup losing four-straight and six of their last seven games in total. Some of those losses have been downright ugly too, with New York losing four of those games by at least 13 points. The inconsistencies in the rotation has to play a factor in the struggles, as no one's job is truly safe. Tim Hardaway Jr. is the only constant in the starting lineup and it's no surprise when looking at his numbers. He currently leads this team with 23.4 points per game, as he's really taken his game to another level. He can't do it all on his own though, as Enes Kanter is the only other player averaging more than 11 points per game. Kanter is actually averaging a double-double for the season but he was recently moved to the bench for an unknown reason. It's already difficult enough for young players to find their roles and rotation moves like this make it even harder on the players to know their roles. Kevin Knox was recently moved into the starting lineup as well and Knicks fans are just hopeful that he can stay healthy and develop into the superstar that they need.
The Magic (8-8) have really turned things around over recent weeks, as they come into this matchup winning six of their last eight games. It's not like their undeserving wins either, as they've come against teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs. Where they've really seen an improvement in that stretch is in their offense, with the Magic averaging 115 points per game in those victories. That has risen them up to 25th in scoring, as that really shows how badly they were struggling before this mini-surge. The defense has been dependable all season though, with Orlando ranking eighth in points allowed. Nikola Vucevic has really been the catalyst, as his 36-point, 13-rebound gem in his most recent game emphasizes the sort of season he's having. Many people had Vucevic pegged as a trade deadline target headed into the year but if he continues to play like this and the Magic continue to win games, it seems way more likely that he'll remain in Orlando.
Orlando dominated their one meeting with New York earlier this season, beating them 115-89 on November 11. They've now won four of their last five games over the Knicks in total.
The Knicks (4-12) come into this matchup losing four-straight and six of their last seven games in total. Some of those losses have been downright ugly too, with New York losing four of those games by at least 13 points. The inconsistencies in the rotation has to play a factor in the struggles, as no one's job is truly safe. Tim Hardaway Jr. is the only constant in the starting lineup and it's no surprise when looking at his numbers. He currently leads this team with 23.4 points per game, as he's really taken his game to another level. He can't do it all on his own though, as Enes Kanter is the only other player averaging more than 11 points per game. Kanter is actually averaging a double-double for the season but he was recently moved to the bench for an unknown reason. It's already difficult enough for young players to find their roles and rotation moves like this make it even harder on the players to know their roles. Kevin Knox was recently moved into the starting lineup as well and Knicks fans are just hopeful that he can stay healthy and develop into the superstar that they need.
The Magic (8-8) have really turned things around over recent weeks, as they come into this matchup winning six of their last eight games. It's not like their undeserving wins either, as they've come against teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and San Antonio Spurs. Where they've really seen an improvement in that stretch is in their offense, with the Magic averaging 115 points per game in those victories. That has risen them up to 25th in scoring, as that really shows how badly they were struggling before this mini-surge. The defense has been dependable all season though, with Orlando ranking eighth in points allowed. Nikola Vucevic has really been the catalyst, as his 36-point, 13-rebound gem in his most recent game emphasizes the sort of season he's having. Many people had Vucevic pegged as a trade deadline target headed into the year but if he continues to play like this and the Magic continue to win games, it seems way more likely that he'll remain in Orlando.
Orlando dominated their one meeting with New York earlier this season, beating them 115-89 on November 11. They've now won four of their last five games over the Knicks in total.
Trail Blazers Continue Road Trip Against Wizards
The Portland Trail Blazers take on the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on Sunday evening.
The Trail Blazers (10-5) have found life on the road a bit inhospitable, as they've dropped consecutive contests to the Lakers and Timberwolves on their current trip. The latter defeat came on Friday night, when Portland fell to Minnesota by a 112-96 score. C.J. McCollum led the way for Portland with 18 points. Damian Lillard followed with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jusuf Nurkic posted a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double. Meyers Leonard led the bench with 10 points and five rebounds.
The Trail Blazers will continue to be without Seth Curry and Maurice Harkless due to knee injuries on Sunday.
The Wizards (5-10) looked like they were getting the train back on the tracks after opening the season with a 2-9 record, as they'd put together three straight wins heading into a Friday night contest against the Brooklyn Nets. However, they fell by a 115-104 score in that game. Dwight Howard led the way with a 25-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block. Bradley Beal tallied 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kelly Oubre, Jr. managed 18 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. John Wall supplied 16 points, seven assists, one rebound, one steal and one block.
The Wizards will come into Sunday's game at full health.
The teams split their two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
The Trail Blazers (10-5) have found life on the road a bit inhospitable, as they've dropped consecutive contests to the Lakers and Timberwolves on their current trip. The latter defeat came on Friday night, when Portland fell to Minnesota by a 112-96 score. C.J. McCollum led the way for Portland with 18 points. Damian Lillard followed with 16 points, six rebounds and five assists. Jusuf Nurkic posted a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double. Meyers Leonard led the bench with 10 points and five rebounds.
The Trail Blazers will continue to be without Seth Curry and Maurice Harkless due to knee injuries on Sunday.
The Wizards (5-10) looked like they were getting the train back on the tracks after opening the season with a 2-9 record, as they'd put together three straight wins heading into a Friday night contest against the Brooklyn Nets. However, they fell by a 115-104 score in that game. Dwight Howard led the way with a 25-point, 17-rebound double-double that included one assist, one steal and one block. Bradley Beal tallied 20 points, six rebounds and two assists. Kelly Oubre, Jr. managed 18 points, four rebounds, one assist and one steal. John Wall supplied 16 points, seven assists, one rebound, one steal and one block.
The Wizards will come into Sunday's game at full health.
The teams split their two-game season series during the 2017-18 campaign.
Sliding Spurs Play Host To Struggling Warriors
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Golden State Warriors, at AT&T Center on Sunday evening.
The marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Warriors (12-5), as they are coming off a tough loss in Dallas on Saturday night, where they fell short despite leading heading into the fourth quarter. Draymond Green (toe) and Stephen Curry (groin) were both sidelined for the contest, but Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson put up a solid fight, as they combined for 54 points. Nonetheless, it marked the Warriors' fourth loss in their last six games, as they have been struggling, especially without Curry in the lineup. Green and Curry are both expected to remain sidelined through Sunday's action. This marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Warriors, where they have gone 0-2 so far. They are 4-4 on the road this season.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game back home after a three-game road trip for the Spurs (7-7). They had a really tough time on the trip where they went winless, including falling short in Phoenix and Sacramento. However, the Spurs are 5-2 at home this season, and have a good chance to get back on track as they take on a depleted Warriors squad. Despite the recent troubles, DeMar DeRozan remains a mega bright spot for San Antonio, as he is averaging 25.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. LaMarcus Aldridge has also been putting up numbers, averaging 17.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. The Spurs are giving up an average of 108.8 points per game, which is ninth best in the league, but are only scoring an average of 107.9 points, which poses an obvious problem.
The marks the second game of a back-to-back for the Warriors (12-5), as they are coming off a tough loss in Dallas on Saturday night, where they fell short despite leading heading into the fourth quarter. Draymond Green (toe) and Stephen Curry (groin) were both sidelined for the contest, but Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson put up a solid fight, as they combined for 54 points. Nonetheless, it marked the Warriors' fourth loss in their last six games, as they have been struggling, especially without Curry in the lineup. Green and Curry are both expected to remain sidelined through Sunday's action. This marks the third and final game of a road trip for the Warriors, where they have gone 0-2 so far. They are 4-4 on the road this season.
Meanwhile, this marks the first game back home after a three-game road trip for the Spurs (7-7). They had a really tough time on the trip where they went winless, including falling short in Phoenix and Sacramento. However, the Spurs are 5-2 at home this season, and have a good chance to get back on track as they take on a depleted Warriors squad. Despite the recent troubles, DeMar DeRozan remains a mega bright spot for San Antonio, as he is averaging 25.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game. LaMarcus Aldridge has also been putting up numbers, averaging 17.4 points, 11.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. The Spurs are giving up an average of 108.8 points per game, which is ninth best in the league, but are only scoring an average of 107.9 points, which poses an obvious problem.